Tekirdag Rakisi

Tekirdag Rakisi is a classic Turkish raki, the anise spirit at the heart of the Turkish table, bottled at 45%. It is made from grape alcohol and aromatic aniseed in the Tekirdag region and double distilled by traditional methods for a smooth, harmonious profile. As a raki it belongs to the anise family, where the spirit turns milky when water is added, the effect known as lion's milk, and it is built for sipping long and slow alongside food rather than for sweetness.

The nose is intense aniseed with a subtle sweetness and a hint of grapes. The palate is velvety and full bodied with a good balance between fresh aniseed and the fine fruitiness of grape spirit, the finish long, soft and pleasantly spicy. It is traditionally served diluted with water or over ice, where the anise blooms and the liquid clouds. Its place is the meze table, alongside spicy dips, grilled fish, seafood and marinated cheese. As an anise spirit it brings aromatic liquorice character to a drink rather than sugar, and works as the centrepiece of a long, food led serve. Add water and watch it turn to lion's milk.